This bill, if it passes, will give the government incredible powers it has heretofore lacked. Not only that, but the assigning of these powers has been delegated to a secret enclave that answers to nobody.

Is this the kind of law you want your elected representatives to enact? I know I don’t. I believe that most things the government does in secret should have a spotlight directed at them. This is definitely one of those times. Why the need for secrecy?

I won’t preach much more, or tell you to be outraged. That’s your decision. However, if you do feel like I feel (get out of my head, Peter Frampton) then I will recommend you take the steps I am taking.

Finally, tell them how you feel about this and let them know in no uncertain terms that you will vote for anybody but them when they are up for reelection. I suggest you be polite and direct, I believe that will get their attention more than a “you suck I hate you!” letter. Thanks to a person of similar mind on reddit.com, I have a form letter for you:

Dear Rep. ____________________,

I am writing you today in light of the current passage of closing the public hearings of H.R. 1540. You along with you party overwhelmingly voted in support of a bill that contains very dangerous language about the detention of US citizens. As you well know this bill authorizes the military’s indefinite detention without trial of American citizens. How can you support this?

The language in this bill flies in the face of our Constitution and is against the very ideals of our founding fathers. You and your cohorts in Washington have used events such as 9/11 and the fear of terrorism to push more government control and strip Americans of their rights. Bills like this reek of the McCarthyism that was prevalent in the 40’s and 50’s. Only this time it is the “terrorists” we should be fearing rather than the “communists.” I believe, as Benjamin Franklin, that trading our liberty for security lends itself to us having neither and losing both.

Please know that as one of your previous supporters I am severely disappointed in your decision to support this travesty. Please know that I will do everything in my power to convince my family and friends to vote you out of office when your term comes up. As one of your constituents I believe I am due and would appreciate a detailed response as to your justification for supporting this bill.

Thank you for your time,

Finally, and I believe these are the most important steps: get your friends of like mind to do this, and then VOTE THEM OUT OF OFFICE. This is the only power we voters have, but it is indeed power. They listen to their campaign donors and the lobbyists, but it is time for them to listen to us. We are ultimately their bosses, never forget that. Don’t vote D or R next election, vote independent. Vote third party. Vote anybody but the parties that are behind this subversion of the Constitution. Both major parties are complicit in this. If enough people feel the same way we can do this. We NEED to do this. Make your voices heard and flex your political muscles. Remind the politicians they work for you.

Enough preaching; it’s time for action. Don’t forget this in a few months. Go to the polls primed and ready to make change. We need it and we deserve it.